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Versatile pumpkin, plus a pumpkin mashed potato recipe

Think of fall or winter, holidays, cheesecake, pancakes, lattes, bread and a common thread through all these thoughts is … pumpkin. Pumpkin is a fairly versatile plant, including in this pumpkin mashed potato recipe.

Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Whether it’s for a holiday meal or just a normal day, give this high-fiber, low sodium pumpkin recipe a try.

“When you think of pumpkin you may first think of carving,” said Kristene Schulte, registered dietitian nutritionist with Marshfield Clinic Health System.

But as Schulte will explain, there is so much more to do. You can almost smell the spices that give it a memorable flavor with your traditional recipes.

Schulte suggests taking a good look at hearty, healthful pumpkin and all its possibilities, in season and all year ‘round. This member of the squash family is a traditional favorite and can be used in baking and cooking throughout the year.

“Pumpkin can be used in place of oil, or butter and eggs in baked goods,” she said. “Pumpkin puree can be used as a one-to-one substitute for oil in baked goods. Pumpkin puree can also be used to replace eggs and butter in some recipes.”

Pumpkin’s rich history

There’s a plethora of pumpkins, with this relative of the cucumber grown in six out of seven continents, Schulte said. In the U.S., most are grown in Illinois. Early on, they were used to make mats by Native Americans and found to be better to carve by the Irish than turnips.

“When it comes to food, pumpkin can be a very healthy part of your diet,” she said. “It’s what we do to it that might make it not so good for you.”

Rich in nutrition

Pumpkin packs a nutritional punch. It’s high in potassium, vitamin A and beta carotene, which gives it its orange color. A cup of fresh-cooked pumpkin is 49 calories; 12 grams of carbs; zero fat/protein. But, it’s 200% of your daily requirements for vitamin A and 19% for vitamin C.

Schulte recommends steering clear of canned pumpkin pie mix because of its high sugar content. Use unsweetened canned or fresh, “since it’s better that you’re in control of how much sugar you add,” she said. You can buy unsweetened for the sugar control but also for convenience.

Raw  or uncut pumpkin, Schulte added, stays well. Uncut can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to two months.

Additionally, pumpkin seeds are another healthful part. The seeds are packed full of nutrients for your heart and bone health. They can help reduce inflammation, improve immune function and are a good source of iron and fiber, Schulte said.

Whether using as a supplement ingredient, grabbing some seeds or on it’s own, give pumpkin a try in this high-fiber, low-sodium recipe whenever you’re looking for a nutritious and beautiful side dish, any time of year.

Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes

Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 ¾-cup servings

Ingredients

1 pound medium baking potatoes, peeled and quartered

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 cup canned pumpkin

2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel)

1 tablespoon butter or tub-style vegetable oil spread

⅛ teaspoon ground sage

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ cup fat-free milk

Fresh sage leaves

Instructions

In a covered large saucepan, cook potatoes and garlic in enough boiling water to cover for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain. Mash with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer on low speed until nearly smooth. Beat in canned pumpkin, cream cheese, butter, ground sage, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Gradually add milk, beating until light and fluffy. Return to saucepan; heat through.

Nutrition information

Per serving: 159 calories; 5g fat (3 g sat); 4g fiber; 26g carbohydrates; 4g protein; 27mcg folate; 13mg cholesterol; 4g sugars; 9,716 IU vitamin A; 25mg vitamin C; 62mg calcium; 2mg iron; 206mg sodium; 647mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (194% daily value), Vitamin C (42% daily value). Carbohydrate servings, 1½. Exchanges, 1½ starch, 1 fat, ½ vegetable.

Source: Eating Well/Diabetic Living Magazine

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For questions about healthy eating, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.

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